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Here in Barrie, we are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy The Gables — a peaceful sanctuary that offers anyone who enters, gifts of tranquility, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
If you venture into this peaceful haven in May after a long, snow-filled and bitterly cold winter, you can hike, bike, power walk, or saunter along a myriad of very wide and well-maintained nature paths meandering through 43 acres of protected woodland.
If it happens to be a blistering hot, sunny day, you will be protected by the cooling canopy of mighty oaks, towering maples and lofty birches.
When you venture into this magical retreat in spring, your eyes will feast upon a forest floor blanketed with a brightly coloured palette of spring wildflowers like the yellow anemone, which is a garden escapee.
Our provincial floral emblem since 1937, the elegant and unique flower with three petals, three sepals, and three leaves is a welcome sight with its delicate white and red blossoms.
During the course of the summer, you will enjoy escapees from the garden such as as sky blue-striped squill and glory of the snow, as well as, natives such as trout lilies and sharp-lobed hepatica and naturalized flowers, such as, lily of the valley and Philadelphia fleabane.
If you gaze upwards and spy a rectangular cavity in a large decaying maple tree, you will know that a pileated woodpecker had made this oasis in the city his home.
And, as you continue to look upwards and hear a sharp chip you might be lucky enough to spy a yellow-rumped warbler looking for berries and insects.
After about 20 minutes when you follow the main path at a leisurely pace, you will be greeted with a picturesque view of Kempenfelt Bay.
If it’s sunny day, diamond-like sparkles will dance across the usually calm waters and in the distance sailboats with colourful sails of red, blue and yellow drift gracefully across the bay.
If your desire is to absorb the beauty of the bay, luckily there is a bench where you can rest, relax and rejuvenate.
And, while you are savouring the moment and creating memories, one of them might be catching a glimpse of a bufflehead duck constantly bobbing underwater and resurfacing as it looks for an aquatic treat.
The magical oasis is located at 250 Tollendale Rd.
Gwen Petreman
Barrie
